Interview with Neil Engel - Hollywood Backlot

Discussion in 'Disneyland News, Rumors and General Discussion' started by See Post, Mar 17, 2001.

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  1. See Post

    See Post New Member

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    Originally Posted By jonvn

    <<so maybe it's not worth the risk? >>

    WHAT risk? THERE IS NO RISK.

    I don't understand why some individuals seem bent on taking whatever tack necessary to try and stop others from going to this park.

    If someone is that concerned about their children at a DISNEY park, for goodness sake, I don't see how they would be able to take them out of the house at all.

    The park is completely wholesome and there is nothing in it that is not suitable for children. The only exception being some of the food and drink offerings at some locations which would be more suited to adult tastes than kids.

    But if there is a concern, I suggest going into the park and checking it out. If you think your kids will be offended at the sight of a giant sun with a fountain underneath, by all means, skip that. Or if you think they might be harmed by seeing a 3D movie with Muppets in it give that a pass as well. But it's been playing for a few years now in WDW, as has the bug movie, and it's quite popular with adults and children.

    The most awful thing that is going to happen to your children in Golden Dreams is that they will fall asleep from boredom. There is nothing in there that is any more graphic than what was in the Lincoln show in Disneyland, where you got to see a soldier laying dead on a battlefield, or in Pirates of the Caribbean, where you see people shooting at each other and drinking and setting a town on fire, or in the Haunted Mansion where you see demonic spirits attacking the living.

    I think if you can handle the horror of those three shows in Disneyland, you'll probably do quite fine inside DCA.

    As far as the Eureka Parade goes, I don't even know what the complaint above is in reference to. The parade is absolutely fine, and is a celebration of the diversity of the people in the state.

    But, if you are truly worried, go to the park and check it out for yourself. You'll see that there are no drunken brawls going on, you'll see that there are no wild gangs roaming the walkways assaulting people. There are no piericing parlors and there are no strip clubs. Not once will you see a Disney sponsored devil worship ceremony take place.

    What you'll see are families walking around and having a good time together. Because that is exactly what is going on inside the park, and that is what the shows and entertainment provide: fun for the family.

    Obviously you need to take into account your own families needs. For example, if you have a kid who is absolutely frightened by bugs, it'd be a pretty dumb thing to take that youngster into a movie theater that is filled with them.

    Use common sense, and there should be no problem.
     
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    Originally Posted By Briguy1314

    "The breadmaking tour is very scarastic particularly at the end when Rosie refuses to share with the other guy (what's his name again?)."

    Are you suggesting its not for kids? Even so, I think you are looking too deep for things to criticize.

    "Even Eureka has some choregraphy that's a little too risque for my tastes, and some costuming that's very hip and now."

    that did you find too risque? I didnt notice anything that wasnt 100% family appropriate.

    "Like Golden Dreams which has a fairly graphic death scene."

    I didnt think it was graphic. There were no bodies or blood and anyhting like that. It was more surprising than anything else. And I personally am gald they left it in. It is an important part of our culture and history, and Disney shouldnt gloss over it if it isnt totally PC. Its definately less violent then most cartoons kids watch. It evokes emotion and may even teach kids some good lessons in life about discrimination and how to treat others. It is a great educational experience for kids, and may even spark interest in them and allow for family conversation, which is something all families need to do nowadays.
     
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    Originally Posted By DoodleDuck

    Maybe I'm just fragged from work but jonvn your #41 post was the best bit of verbage you or many others have put here lately. One Gold Star dude.
     
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    Originally Posted By Doobie

    Raising children, more than perhaps anything else, is a personal thing. It's up to each parent to choose what is and isn't appropriate for how they feel they should raise their child. Jumping on someone for that is very, very wrong, IMHO. No one here is saying DCA is too risque for your kid, they're saying it may be too risque for their kid. And I applaud them for caring enough to keep tabs on what they allow their child to see and just accepting it's from Disney so it must be ok for my child. And I don't blame Disney for pushing, there are many young people in this world and I would happy Disney targets some of the older ones even at the expense of making their stuff accessible to some of the younger ones.

    This isn't a DL vs. DCA issue. I love DCA. As I said before, there some things I wouldn't let my child (of a certain age) see at Disneyland. There are even more things I wouldn't let my child see (at that same age) at DCA. But I still think they're both wonderful parks for families.

    Doobie.
     
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    Originally Posted By jonvn

    I think so, too. This is why I suggest, seriously, that if there is a concern, the guy should just go to the park himself and see what is there. Personally, I don't see what could possibly be offensive, but it is up to the guy himself.

    I think it's being a bit over sensitive, but if that is what someone feels is necessary for their kids, fine.

    On the flip side, you don't want to be so worried about something that you deny your kids a great pleasure for them because you are afraid of something that really doesn't exist.

    If there is anything in this park that could possibly damage a child or cause them emotional trauma that they aren't already seeing every day on TV, or can see in Disneyland already, I'd like to know exactly what that is, and how this is different from something in Disneyland.

    I can actually think of one thing in the park that someone might not like for their kid to see. But I can also think of something in Disneyland that I would not want my kid to participate in, either.

    So, maybe we should help the gentleman out. What exactly in DCA is there that would cause offense to his children that is not something his kids are already seeing on either tv or something equivalently un-PC in Disneyland itself?

    PS, thanks DD.
     
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    Originally Posted By Doobie

    Parents can also exert lots of control over what they allow their children to see on television as well, so I don't think saying it's stuff you see on TV is really relavent.

    That said, this isn't a discussion of child rearing.

    As for what things a parent might want to be aware of at DCA, some that immedietely come to mind:

    Steps in Time
    Golden Dreams death scene
    Some of the Eureka costumes
    The big video screen in ABC Soaplink which shows soap scenes (not sure how risque it gets, but be aware)
    The skits in ABC Soap Opera Bistro

    Not saying any of these are inherently bad, just things a parent may want to be aware of if they're VERY careful of what they allow their children to see.

    Doobie.
     
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    Originally Posted By JeffG

    I'd also add "Tough to be a Bug" as probably the one attraction more than any that is likely to really bother sensitive kids.

    -Jeff
     
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    Originally Posted By Briguy1314

    "Steps in Time...Some of the Eureka costumes"

    Exactly what in SIT and what about the Eureka costumes..? I really dont remember anything that wouldnt be acceptable.

    I agree that Bugs could be too scary, but that is different than inappropriate, and there are also many scary things in DL as well.
     
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    Originally Posted By Doobie

    This isn't a DCA vs. DL thing. The guy originally asked about DCA so that's what I'm answering. He's already familiar with DL.

    I'm mentioning things that are _potential_ inappropriate. He can take a look and decide for himself if they are or aren't for his children. If you didn't see or don't remember anything inappropriate, chances are it wasn't inappropriate for your judgement, and that's fine.

    It's not a criticism in the least. I love Steps and Eureka is my second favorite thing at DCA.

    Doobie.
     
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    Originally Posted By jonvn

    I'm kind of surprised that the temporary tattoo parlor didn't get mentioned. That's the sort of thing I would think some parents might not like.

    The only thing I noticed about the parade costumes was that some of them didn't even seem like costumes. Some of the paraders were wearing jeans and an aloha shirt. That's how I dress usually. I guess this means my demographic was duly represented in the parade!
     
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    Originally Posted By Briguy1314

    No honestly Doobie, it was a question. I was really wondering what could potentially be inappropriate. I was just hoping for an example or two so I could look for them....
     
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    Originally Posted By Doobie

    We have lots of pictures of the Eureka and Steps in Time costumes here on the site. They're in the DCA Attraction guide found at:

    <a href="http://LaughingPlace.com/Info-ID-DLGuide-Visit-DCAAttGuide.asp" target="_blank">http://LaughingPlace.com/Info-
    ID-DLGuide-Visit-DCAAttGuide.asp</a>

    Some of the costumes are a little skimpy (more so in Steps). Nothing more (or less) than you're going to see just walking around DCA on a hot day. But seeing it in a Disney parade or show might give it kind of an implied endorsement, and a parent might prefer no. I doubt there are many that feel that way, but I'm sure there are some.

    Steps also has some "my parents are stupid" kind of stuff in the beginning. No big deal, all kids can relate, but another thing to be aware of.

    The Tattoo parlor is another, jonvn. I didn't think of that. There are probably more I didn't think of. And Bugs definitely for the fright factor.

    Doobie.
     
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    Originally Posted By damon63

    >As I said before, there some things I wouldn't let my child (of a certain age) see at Disneyland.<

    Not to take this off the subject Doobie but I just have to ask, what would those be?
     
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    Originally Posted By disneykid52

    We visited DCA last week two days.

    We saw Steps in Time twice. It reminded me of what you might get if you infused Andrew Lloyd Webbers "Cats" style choreography with Disney on Broadway. I loved the Hukuna Matata number, it is kind of a rap feel interpretation with beautiful energetic male dancers in African looking yet contemporary costumes. The energy was incredible and wonderful. Lion King is my #1 favorite movie of all time.... so I am a bit skeptical of new interpretations, but it was high energy, fresh, and wonderful. (Made me feel old with my arthritic knees watching those guys I will tell you.)


    Vera, the fairy god mother shines. She has some cynical lines at the beginning as someone already mentions "who coughed in your cornflakes?" is off the wall, and cynical and undisney for sure. The show would be stronger overall without that cynicism. What the Disney folks are missing with both SSL and Steps in Time is that there is nothing cool or hip about CYNICAL and SARCASTIC. The message over all in Steps in Time is uplifting, and about love and unity. I sincerely hope Disney will monitor some of the discussions of the web regarding this "attitude" and realize that they must be the torch bearers for uplifting, wholesome, inspiring, intelligent non- cynical entertainment in a world that is so sad, cynical and messed up.We live in a world where it is almost "cool" to take a gun to school and blow the other kids away. I live in Springfield Oregon where that very thing took place. We need Disney now more than ever, to set the standards for family entertainment. And to do their share in giving families a kind of entertainment with their theme parks that families can enjoy together, as our family has for decades.

    I am really worried by their movie "RECESS" I am boycotting it and I hope many of you will do the same. We should and do expect higher standards from Disney, and ultimatly their success as a company in the new century will hinge on maintaining this quality of vision, and not compromising and going along with negative trends.


    Disney really has changed the world, how many people are anti hunting because they saw Bambi, and realized the beauty and sanctity of nature..? how many people have been inspired to follow their dreams because Disney told us we could? Disney has had a deep influence on our culture for decades. We must insist that they continue to be the trend setters and not just the "followers of hip and edgy" come on!

    SSL dissappointed me for the same reason. It is totally cynical, and plastic. I believe Disney has the right to have a few flops, make a few mistakes. This is one that really, really needs to be corrected. If they could make it really FUNNY that would help, but it was not funny to us at all. We were just trying to figure out why? why?

    We had a WONDERFUL time at DCA, and it was so sad to leave. Probably won't get to go back for a few years. It will be so fun to watch it grow and evolve...like a little child! It was worth the price of admission for sure!

    Soarin over California was inspring and magical. It brought tears to my eyes. I was euphoric! We went three times.

    California Screamin was also wonderful. E ticket ride plus!!!

    There is so much beautiful detailing in the park. As the landscaping matures the Grizzly Peak area will also be even more spectacular.

    We loved the Eureka! parade. It WAS humorous, fun, colorful and had a positive message of unity from diversity. We didn't think the costumes were too skimpy...the dancers were beautiful and all had big smiles on their faces, they put out nothing but positive energy. I can see the Brittany Spears influence in the choreography...but it was great fun. It was light and full of action. Near the end the folks with the large translucent fans with the faces of people from many cultures in them made a beautiful collage as the faces overlapped, twirling and swaying, the sunlight filtering through them. It was quite beauriful and elegant, remiscent of the Tapestry of Nations parade at Epcot. And so much great humor, like the girl dressed as the fortune cookie, with the guy dressed as Chinese take out chasing her with chopsticks...and the two guys dressed as the Golden Gate Brige. Disney imagination and humor at it's best.

    When you visit DCA, remember it is not Disneyland, it is a different experience, just as Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM are a different experience than the Magic Kingdom. They all enhance and compliment each other. Because of my personal history, Disneyland will ALWAYS be my personal favorite, and no new park could ever change that. With that in mind, I had a wonderful time at DCA. I hope all of you who have to visited, will have the chance to and make up your own minds. Before it gets too crowded. Take a camera and lots of film, and the photos taken this year will be historic, just like the first few years of Disneyland. Lots of things will change, and evolve and I beleive it will get even better with a few more attractions and lots more pixie dust. Do some of these young Imagineers (Mr. Engel) realize the heritage, the respinsibilty that they had to continue and enhance the legacy that Walt and his artists gave the world? I would say if he designed SSL, that he just doesn't "get it"
     
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    Originally Posted By woody

    I noticed that many people come to the parks with tatoos and body piercings so it wouldn't be wrong to have a fake tatoo parlor at DCA.
     
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    Originally Posted By jonvn

    I really don't see what's wrong with, but if you're going to be extremely sensitive, this would be the one thing I'd pick. Temporary tattoos can be fun. Lots of people in this area get henna tattoos that last a couple of weeks.

    It's not 1953 anymore.
     
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    Originally Posted By Doobie

    I don't think it's wrong at all. But tatoos are very much taboo for some people, those people should be aware.

    damon63: I think there's lots of things at DL that could scare a very young child - dark rides, Pirates and especially Mansion - I've seen many VERY frightened young children on Mansion and I (hopefully) will wait until my child is ready before I take then on that. Then there's those people in the big rubber heads ...

    Doobie.
     
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    Originally Posted By fabdisbabe

    I won't take Alice to see Steps In Time; it's not appropriate for a child her age. She can see that kind of thing when she is a teenager.
    She doesn't like Dark Rides, except for SuperStar Limo, so we ride or don't ride accordingly. At seven she loves coasters, the more harrowing the better, but is terrified of Mary Poppins. Go fig.

    Fab
     
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    Originally Posted By DennisTag

    disneykid52 --- THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You understood the point of my post.

    "What the Disney folks are missing with both SSL and Steps in Time is that there is nothing cool or hip about CYNICAL and SARCASTIC." (disneykid52)

    EXACTLY! It is unbelieveable how cynical young children are nowadays. I don't want Disney to encourage the belief that this is somehow cool and adult.

    "I sincerely hope Disney will monitor some of the discussions of the web regarding this "attitude" and realize that they must be the torch bearers for uplifting, wholesome, inspiring, intelligent non- cynical entertainment in a world that is so sad, cynical and messed up." (disneykid52)

    YES! Walt Disney was anything BUT cynical. I know it bugs some people to talk about what Walt would think, but it is absolutely clear that he intended Disneyland to present a positive view of the world -- "... a source of joy and inspiration to the world" (or something like that - I don't have the quote in front of me).

    "Do some of these young Imagineers (Mr. Engel) realize the heritage, the respinsibilty that they had to continue and enhance the legacy that Walt and his artists gave the world? I would say if he designed SSL, that he just doesn't "get it"" (disneykid52 again)

    And THAT was the point of my original post. Not that DCA as a park was somehow unsuitable for kids, or that I was afraid to take my children there. I know that the park's good things probably overwhelm the bad. I'm not that paranoid about exposing my children to something questionable (although I'm certainly not going to intentionally expose them to something I consider objectionable just because 'they already have seen/heard it").

    But I would HATE to see Disney turn away from their positive message. I still want my children to be inspired by heroes, not dragged down by cynicism.
     
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    Originally Posted By DennisTag

    Oh.. and do I have to post a certain number of times before I am referred to by name, instead of as 'the guy'?
     

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